The Sacred Monument - Quran Chapter 2- 198b (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-249) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 198b (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-249) - درس قرآن

The Sacred Monument

Surah ‘Al-Baqarah (The Cow) – Chapter – 2)

‘A-‘uu-zu  Billaahi minash-Shay-taanir- Rajiim. 
(I seek refuge in God from Satan the outcast.)

Bis-Millaahir-Rah-maanir-Rahiim.
(In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful.)

198b   ۚ فَإِذَآ أَفَضْتُم مِّنْ عَرَفَٰتٍ فَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عِندَ ٱلْمَشْعَرِ ٱلْحَرَامِ ۖ

198b.  But when ye return from ‘Arafat, remember Allah by the Sacred Monument.

198b.  Fa-‘izaaa  ‘afaztum min ‘Arafaatin  fazkurUllaaha   ‘in-dal-  Mash-‘aril-Haraam.

Commentary

‘Afaztum – (you return) this word has come out from the word ‘Afaazah which means ‘Walking in multitudes and coming back’. Technically it signifies “returning from ‘Arafat to Muzdalfah”.

‘Arafaatin – (‘Arafat) the road which leads to the east from Makkah  towards Taif, there is a plain field in the area of several miles situated twelve miles away from Makkah Mo-‘azmah. That is called ‘Arafaat. There is a hill in this plain also, which is called ‘Arafat too. Its height is two hundred yards from the earth level. During the entire year this field remains vacant but on the ninth Zul-Hijjah it becomes in full bloom on arrival of the Pilgrims.

The Pilgrims reach Minaa till afternoon on eighth of the Zul-Hijjah and on the next day, on ninth Zul-Hijjah at the time of rising the sun, they travel towards ‘Arafat, they reach ‘Arafat at the time of afternoon. Till the time of Asar (before sunset) the Pilgrims have to remain there. This stay is called Wuquuf. The presence in this plain is the most important duty of the Pilgrimage. The entire period should be passed in begging mercy or grace, repentance, penitence and remembrance of God Almighty during the stay in the Field of ‘Arafat. While the sun is near to set, then the Pilgrims should depart unto Muzdalfah (the Sacred Monument). Zuhr and 'Asr prayers are offered in the afternoon jointly in the Nimrah Masjid of ‘Arafat on that day, and Maghrib and ‘Ishaa’ are offered after returning to Muzdalfah at the time of ‘Ishaa’.

‘Al- Mash-‘aril-Haraam – (the Sacred Monument) Mash-‘ar

means the sign or emblem and the word Haraam discloses its dignity. It is that particular place which is situated between the two hills of Muzdalfah. However, the entire Muzdalfah is called “the Sacred Monument” (Mash-‘aril-Haraam).

Muzdalfah – It is at the distance of six miles from Makkah. There exists a direct pathway from Minaaa to ‘Arafat and the Pilgrims proceed to ‘Arafat from that way on ninth Zul-Hijjah. But on return from ‘Arafat it is prescribed to use the other pathway. The Muzdalfah is situated on that pathway. The Caravans of the Pilgrims stay here at night and pass their entire time in the Masjid over the hill, offering prayers, worshiping, begging for mercy, repentance, penitence and remembrance of God Almighty.

There are three Duties to be observed compulsorily of the entire acts of Pilgrimage:

1.   Wearing ‘Ihraam (Garment of Hajj)

2.   To be present in ‘Arafat on ninth Zul-Hijjah which is called Wuquuf also.

 

3.   Going round the Holy Shrine (Tawaaf of The Square Building) – Wuquuf is the most important act from the three acts. It has been told in this verse that when you return from ‘Arafat, Remember Allah Almighty during the stay at Muzdalfah begging mercy, repentance and remain busy in worshiping God Almighty. 

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif). https://youtu.be/Tkb0gz8cUHQ